What If It's Love: A Small Town Romance (Serendipity Series Book 2) Page 14

  On the way out to the truck, she decided to stop and see her father. He’d made it perfectly clear he didn’t want her to see him there, but it was a request she couldn’t honor. Nothing could change the circumstances, but the hospital would be a nice change from the jail cell she'd become accustomed to visiting him in.

  She stopped by the nurse’s station. The woman she’d spoken to on her arrival studied her. “Everything okay, Miss Morgan?”

  “Yes, thank you. Just wondering where…”

  “Your father is in the room just over there. A police officer is in there with him.”

  “Oh. I will come back.”

  “The police officer will be there until the doctor releases him into their custody.”

  “Oh. Right.” Justice swallowed. “How is he?”

  “He’s stable. ornery.”

  “He’s lucky. It could’ve been worse.”

  “Yes, he’s very lucky.” The nurse studied her. “He’s got you.”

  “Thank you.” It was a shame that her father didn’t feel the same.

  Justice made her way over to the room where her father was recovering. She poked her head around the corner. The officer waved her in. Her father was sleeping. Machines beeped loudly.

  The officer stood. “I’ll be just outside of the room. Let you have a minute.”

  “Thank you.”

  The officer stepped outside of the door, and she moved closer to the bed. Her father’s arm was bandaged. There were smaller burns visible, on his face and hand, but they looked like blisters.

  She gently placed her hand on top of his chest, careful not to touch any area she knew had been exposed to the fire. His eyes fluttered and opened. Though she was upset with him, she was thankful he was alive. “Hi, Dad.”

  “I told you not to come here,” he choked out.

  “How often have I listened to you over the years?”

  “Not very often.” He turned away from her.

  “I want you to tell me again. Why did you do it? I know you said you wanted the insurance money, but what good would that money have done?” Based on what she’d seen in the financial records of the gym, things weren’t looking great for Pierce Morgan. She’d still been unable to figure out where the money was going.

  “I have my reasons.”

  “I think you’re probably going to face a minimum of five years in prison, and you destroyed a building that had my name on the deed. You owe me an explanation.”

  “Money!” he screamed. “I got in over my head with the wrong people. Why does anyone do anything?”

  “People do things for other reasons, too.”

  “You mean love. I loved your mother.”

  “Just not me.”

  He fixed his gaze on her, eyes rimmed with unshed tears. “I do. It’s just…”

  “What?”

  “I blamed you for why she left. Then after she died, I tried to do the right thing. But you look so much like her. Every time I look at you, I see the eyes of a woman who had my back on my worst days and had no problem putting me in my place when I got a little too full of myself. You took a little longer to get to the same point. In all honesty, I didn’t deserve your mother. I treated her like she didn’t matter most days. I did the same to you. And the truth is, I don’t deserve you either.”

  “If you loved her, why did you turn your back on her?”

  “Because people you love, people you let get close, have the ability to rip your heart out and leave you a shell of the person you once were. It’s easier if you just beat them to the punch.”

  “How’s that working out for you?” She stood and scowled at her father. His tenacity in the ring was what she’d admired about him when she was growing up. She wanted to be like him so badly. Now, as she listened to him, she understood why he built the walls, but also knew in the end it left him a miserable man. “If you don’t get over your fear of having your heart broken or hurt by people you love, then you’re going to die a lonely, miserable drunk.”

  He father pressed the call button for the nurse. She poked her head in. “Everything okay, sir?”

  “No. I think my pain meds wore off.”

  “Pain meds can’t help with heartache.” Justice leaned in and kissed her dad’s cheek. “Even with all the crap you’ve put me through over the years, I still love you. That’s the funny thing about love. You can try and convince your heart otherwise, but you’re just lying to yourself. I love you, Dad, and I always will, but right now, for the first time in my life, I can truly say I’m not proud to be your daughter.” Justice walked out of the room. Tears streamed down her face, and she couldn’t stop them. She buried her face in her hands and slid down the wall outside his room.

  She felt an arm slide around her shoulders, pulling her in close. Merrick spoke softly against her temple.

  “Right now, your dad is lost. He will find his way back.”

  “You have far more faith in him than I do.”

  “I know he’s your father, and I don’t know him on the same level as you do. But if I can pull myself out of the darkness I was in, your father can, too. He just has to want it bad enough.”

  “I don’t think he does.”

  “Five years in lockup can change a person.” Merrick tilted her head up forcing her to look in his eyes. “You have a lot of time think when you’re in jail and you’re forced into sobriety.”

  “Is that what set you straight…going to jail?”

  “Being detained as a teen is different than when you’re an adult. Thankfully, someone stepped in on my behalf when I was at that point. It was the turning point for me. The start of me getting on a better path.” Merrick sighed. “I’d be lying if I said I came out completely focused on changing who I was.”

  “But there’s hope.”

  “There’s always hope.” He stood and held out his hand to her. “Come on, let’s get out of here.”

  She took his hand, and as he pulled her to her feet, she glanced back toward her father’s room. Shattered. Broken. Those were the only words she had for the current state of her life.

  “It will be okay. Trust me.”

  “I do.” If anyone could relate even a little to what she was feeling or what her father was going through, it would be the man in front of her.

  Chapter 12

  Sitting around the breakfast table at the DeLuca house made Justice feel like the teenager who’d moved in the week her mom died. She’d never brought a boyfriend home with her before, but Merrick sat beside her, his hand resting on her knee, trying to keep her nervous energy in check.

  Jackson set his fork down on the edge of his plate. “Your father is going to be sentenced today.”

  “I know.” Justice pushed the potatoes around on her plate. “Five years minimum. A $150,000 fine. That’s what we’re looking at right?”

  “Yes.” Jackson’s expression was somber. “It could be more. Depends on what the judge decides. Your father asked me to bring you to his sentencing.”

  ”Why? I don’t need to sit in the courtroom to be reminded about how he’s negatively impacted my life.”

  “Honey, no one could pretend to know or understand the relationship you have with Pierce, but think about it?” Kaitlyn reached over and patted the top of her hand. “For him to even ask is shocking.”

  “I’ll think about it.” Justice took her napkin, wiped her mouth, then sighed. “I just don’t know if I have it in me.”

  “Not surprised. Sooner or later you had to reach your breaking point.” Jackson rose from the table. “I’m going to go ahead and take off. If you change your mind, we’ll be at the courthouse in two hours.”

  “Thanks for representing him.” Justice stood up and gave him a hug. “I know you guys never got along.”

  “Doesn’t matter how I feel about the man’s personal choices. He’s your dad. Couldn’t do anything less.” Jackson kissed the top of her head. “You are more precious to Kaitlyn and me than you know. I wish your dad knew you half
as well as we do.”

  Justice squeezed him around the waist. “Love you, Jackson.”

  “The feeling is mutual, pumpkin.”

  The door leading to the garage closed, leaving Justice standing there staring after the man who’d been an integral part of her life when she’d needed a father figure most. She felt like she was letting him down. Her stomach twisted in knots. Her anger at her father warred with the love she held for the man who didn’t love her back.

  “You alright?” Merrick pushed back in his chair, standing to come to her side.

  “No.”

  “If you want to go, I will go with you.”

  “I don’t want to go, but I feel like I should.”

  “Then we will go.”

  “Whenever you want to leave, we can leave.”

  Merrick held Justice’s hand as they stood in the foyer of the courthouse. It still amazed him how grand some of the buildings were. Marble columns circled around them, but the town was small enough the building only housed two courtrooms.

  Justice leaned against him. “I just need a minute.”

  “Take as long as you need.” Merrick released her hand and slid his arm around her waist.

  They stood in the center of the room while Justice collected herself. They were late, and though Merrick wasn’t sure how they did things when someone entered a guilty plea, he was certain they’d probably missed the actual sentencing.

  She took a deep, shaky breath. “Okay, I’m ready.”

  When they reached the door of the courtroom, they stepped inside. Pierce scanned the courtroom, and when he saw Justice, his eyes lit up.

  Whatever the man’s intentions for having Justice here, he hoped it would be positive.

  Merrick led Justice down the aisle to sit beside Kaitlyn in the front row.

  “The Court understands you have a statement you’d like to read before your sentencing is handed down?”

  “Yes.”

  “Go ahead.”

  Pierce rose from the chair. “I would like to thank the court for taking my plea and statement into consideration prior to sentencing. I have no valid excuse for the things I’ve done or to ease the hearts of the people I’ve hurt. If I could take back every poor decision I’ve made over the years, I would. To Mr. Hudson and Mr. Dempsey, I apologize for the injuries sustained while trying to put out the fire. While I know it’s their job, the reason for them being there wasn’t the result of a random act. This was premeditated, and it ended far worse than I ever could’ve imagined in my drunken stupor. I am sorry. Mr. DeLuca, thank you for representing me as my attorney. You and the mayor have been a solid constant in my daughter’s life, and I could never repay you for all you’ve done for her. Lastly, I would like to apologize to my daughter for all I’ve put her through. There are no words to make right how I failed her time and time again. I wish I could take back the hurtful words I’ve said, but I can’t. I’ve been selfish and really didn’t care who I hurt to get what I wanted.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Morgan. Please remain standing.”

  Jackson rose and put his hand on Pierce’s back in a supportive gesture. Then he clasped his hands in front of him as they waited for the judge to issue the sentence.

  “You’ve entered a plea of guilty on your own accord. This is your first offense, which I’ve also taken into consideration. Arson is not to be taken lightly. You endangered your life and those of the first responders. You are hereby sentenced to five years with the possibility of parole and a fine of $100,000.”

  Justice squeezed Merrick’s hand. He glanced over at her and noticed the tears streaking her cheeks. He reached for the box of tissue on the seat beside him and offered them to her. She took one and dabbed at her eyes, then rested her head against his shoulder.

  “Thank you, Your Honor.”

  “Court is adjourned.”

  The bailiff came over to take Pierce into custody. Justice flew out of her seat and grabbed for her father. “Dad, wait!”

  Pierce faced her. He gave her a one armed hugged and kissed her cheek gently. “Jackson has something for you.”

  Then the bailiff escorted Pierce out of the courtroom.

  Chapter 13

  Justice sat on the steps of the gazebo in the park, the wishing well at her back. The envelope Jackson gave her five days earlier sat beside her, the letter unfolded on top.

  Merrick approached, and she couldn’t stop the giddiness settling in the pit of her stomach.

  “I’m glad you came.” She stood up and pressed her lips to his.

  “Why wouldn’t I? Would’ve come sooner if I’d realized I’d be greeted like that.” Merrick winked.

  She sighed and fought the urge to roll her eyes as she sank back down onto the step. It was weird having someone who put up with her crazy and was determined to be there for her. It took a lot of getting used to. They’d been on several successful dates since the night she’d run out on him, but she still didn’t feel as though she’d made up for leaving him like that. She picked up the bag sitting at her feet and handed it to him.

  “What’s this?”

  “Dessert.”

  “We haven’t had dinner yet.” He laughed as he pulled out a takeout container. “What did you do?”

  “Making good on the dessert we missed on our first official date.”

  “That was two months ago.”

  “I know. I’m a slow mover.” She turned her back to the railing, tucked a leg underneath her, and made room for him to join her.

  Merrick sat down and handed her a spoon. “In your defense, we’ve had a lot going on.”

  “Yeah. I let my dad manipulate my time again.”

  “Again, understandable. If I were in your shoes, I don’t know if I would’ve done anything any differently.” Merrick took a bite, and she heard the low moan as he savored the Tiramisu. “Got to hand it to Leo, the man knows his dessert.”

  “He said it was your favorite.” Pleased he was enjoying the sweet, she took her spoon and reached into the takeout container.

  Merrick pulled it out of reach. “You didn’t say I had to share.”

  “You’re the one who handed me the spoon. If we’re going to make this work, you’re going to have to be better about sharing.” She raised her eyebrows as she waited for him to protest.

  “Okay.” He slowly moved the container closer. “You’re the only one I’ll share with though.”

  “I’m honored.”

  “What was in the envelope?”

  “The deed to the gym.”

  “Your dad gave it to you?”

  “He has suggested I sell it to make up for what I lost.” She set the spoon down and stared out across the parking lot. “The building itself isn’t worth much at this point. And I haven’t lost anything.”

  “You lost a piece of your childhood.”

  The fact he knew what the gym meant to her, made her insides flip. “Yeah, but I didn’t lose my father to the fire. Or you. In retrospect, I could’ve lost much more.”

  They stood at the top of the falls, the ring secured in the pocket of his swim trunks. If he didn’t ask before they jumped, he risked losing it in the lake. Nerves were wound tightly, and if it weren’t so warm out, he would’ve had to offer up an explanation as to why he was sweating.

  She turned to him. “Are we really going to do this?”

  Sweat beaded on his forehead and he shifted on his feet. “Do what?”

  She inched closer to the edge and looked down at the drop to the water. “Jump. Isn’t that why we’re up here? It looks like such a long way down.”

  He wiped at his forehead.

  “Are you nervous, Mr. Fearless?” Justice backed away from the edge. “I thought you did this once before.”

  He had. But it wasn’t the jump that was making him nervous.

  “Merrick, are you okay?” Concern lined her features. “You look like you’re going to be sick.”

  Pull it together, man.

  When he’d pla
nned this, everything went a lot more smoothly in his head. He knew if he didn’t push forward, the moment would pass him by and he was ruining it. He swallowed the lump in his throat.

  Justice slid her hand into his and turned to walk back down the path they’d taken to get to the cliffs.

  He didn’t move, forcing her to draw to a stop and look at him. “No. I’m fine. I promise.”

  “Really, Merrick. We can try again when you are feeling better.” With a smile, she set his nerves into overdrive again. How had he earned the honor of standing up here beside her?

  “It’s not the jump.” He pulled her back so she was standing before him. “When we first met, I was fresh out of a failed engagement.”

  “Merrick?”

  “Please. Let me finish.” He held onto her hands. “My past is riddled with pain, heartache, and darkness, but you didn’t care about any of that. You saw through all of it. Helped me to see the light and beauty in the world. Then we kissed. One single magical moment in a kissing booth that changed everything for me.”

  Justice shifted nervously as she looked around. She opened her mouth, then closed it. Then tried again.

  He didn’t wait for her to speak. “When you said you didn’t want to date me, I dared to ask what if it’s love? You said I didn’t believe in love, and you weren’t sure you did either. At the time that was an accurate statement.”

  “Merrick?” Justice focused her gaze on him. “What’s going on?”

  “Four years, Justice. That’s how long it took me to realize my life without you doesn’t make sense. The biggest risk for me is to put my heart on the line and know you could trample it with a single word.” He got down on one knee, her hands still in his. “Will you marry me?”

  “Are you sure?” Panic lined her words and he watched as she looked around. A glint of sunlight reflected off the lens of the local photographer he’d hired to capture the moment. He’d gone all out and hoping he hit all the points for her.

  “I’ve never been more certain about anything in my entire life.”

  She looked back at him and swallowed. “I’m no prize, Merrick.”